Kansas Man Strikes Gold with Corvette Purchase at a Garage Sale

0
2022

Kansas Man Strikes Gold with Corvette Purchase at a Garage Sale

Corvette enthusiasts are known for their never-say-die attitude when it comes to fulfilling their dream of owning America’s Sports Car – even if it takes more than 30 years.

Mick Wilson is a prime example.

Back in the 1970s, he enjoyed the thrill of owning a 1963 Corvette convertible for just a few days before it was totaled in an accident.

Unfortunately, Wilson was only in the process of buying the car from his boss, who after the wreck decided to take the insurance settlement instead of repairing the ‘Vette.

Years passed, and Wilson never bought another Corvette – until about four years ago when fate intervened as it has a way of doing.

That’s when he came across another 1963 convertible at a garage sale. Though at first the Corvette wasn’t for sale, Wilson was eventually able to persuade the owner to part with it.

“The guy had it in his garage,” Wilson says. “The rear end was locked up, but it wasn’t in too bad a shape.”

Wilson got the car running again, repairing the differential and overhauling the small block 327 engine, among other fixes. He also added 17-inch American Racing Torq Thrust wheels surrounded by Raptor tires, 215/ 50R/ 17’s in front and bigger 235/ 50R/ 17’s in back.

“I probably should have hot-rodded it more,” he said. “It is a 4-barrel, but it was the smallest engine they offered that year.”

One area where he didn’t skimp, however, was the exterior. He searched for the perfect orange color before settling on a very expensive Lamborghini paint called Arancio Borealis. The car is definitely a head-turner now, though it’s no doubt cost him a lot more than the $2,500 he was going to pay his boss back in the 1970s.

Wilson no doubt would say some dreams are worth the cost, though.

See more photos of Mick Wilson’s Corvette at www.kansas.com


Source:
The Wichita Eagle

Related:
Vietnam Veteran Lends His Corvette to a High School Shop Class
Kansas City Couple’s 1967 Corvette is a Former Chevy Engineering Test Car
Survivor 1963 Z06 Corvette Heading to Mecum Kissimmee

 



-